Vegetation grazing goats return to Ft. Ord

Grass-eating goats are back in action at Ft. Ord National Monument along Highway 68 in Monterey County.

“943 goats are grazing next to Highway 68. And they’re here to reduce the fire hazard potential and to also remove dead brush and grass,” Marina Mayor and Fort Ord Botanist Bruce Delgado said.

Last week, there were 950. Delgado said a mountain lion ate 7 of the goats.

“The goat operation brought in two large dogs to protect the goats at night, and we haven’t had any loss since then,” Delgado said.

Also new this year, El Nio-related storms.

“There’s more growth this year than there was at this time last year. So it’s good timing to have the goats here,” Delgado said.

About 18 more inches of grass is expected to grow this year. To take care of that, sheep will start grazing in mid-February.

Until then, you’ll see the goats eating everything in sight at Ford Ord.

“They love cameras, camera bags, especially KION camera bags such as over there, eating all of your equipment.”

NewsChannel 5’s Erika Mahoney will have more on this story at 6 tonight.